Santos hopes hit song helps propel solo career forward
A hit record can do wonders for a career. It thrusts solo artists into the spotlight and helps attract fans to their body of work. But, what if an artist appears on somebody else’s smash?
For Matthew Santos, who sings the hook on Lupe Fiasco’s “Superstar,” he just hopes it gets him noticed. With the song a crossover hit, it presents the indie crooner an opportunity to gain attention from fans that wouldn’t otherwise listen to his brand of music.
“It feels good [to have a hit],” Santos said just as he got off stage performing with Lupe Fiasco at MTV’s Spring Break festivities in Panama City, Fla. “It gives me a lot of exposure. I have such a good time doing this stuff with Lupe. He’s really schooling me about the industry.”
While Santos has parlayed “Superstar” into numerous TV appearances and countless live dates, he’s happy to get the opportunity to set out on his own and perform some of his own material. Recently, he’s had the opportunity to break off during their appearances together and play something from his own repertoire.
He’ll be performing at The Roxy in Hollywood on March 19 along with Santa Monica-based John West.
“I think people are recognizing the versatility in the music I’m trying to make,” Santos said. “I’ve done [one of my own songs while performing] with Lupe and it translated curiously well. The crowd really dug it. They were really into it. Lupe’s fans are open minded.”
Considering that Santos is riding a wave of popularity these days, it seems an opportune time to set out and do some solo shows.
“Whenever I get a chance, I try to play a little,” Santos said. “I’ve done a handful of shows across the country recently and things are going well. I’ve played L.A. once and the people were really responsive. I hope for more of the same when I play [The Roxy].”
The show gives Santos a chance to showcases his original compositions that tend toward the acoustic side of the musical world. He’s released two solo albums thus far, “As a Crow Flies” and “Matters of the Bittersweet,” and is currently working on material for a third.
“I have so many songs, the problem is trying to put together a record that makes sense,” Santos said of his forthcoming album. “It’s going to be pretty diverse. I’m going for a more cathartic album instead of a fun summer album.”
To date, he’s recorded a number of songs and has collaborated with some noteworthy artists. He recently completed a song with iconic Indian violinist L. Subramaniam and Sam Butler Jr. from the Blind Boys of Alabama. He’s not sure if the songs will make it onto the next album, but he said he’s better off for having worked with musicians he holds in high regard.
“If they don’t make the album, I may just post them on my Web site or sell them on iTunes for a dollar,” he said jokingly.
If Santos does decide to post the songs on his site, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time he has turned to the Internet to drum up interest. He currently has a number of videos on YouTube that have generated thousands of downloads. He’s also used his MySpace page to further promote upcoming shows.
“It makes the music so accessible,” he said of the Internet. “I love what YouTube has done because it gives an intimate showcase for my songs. People are thirsty for this kind of music.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 15, 2008. Read the original PDF.